Beginning and ending in the exotic city-state of Singapore, sail to some of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating ports on board the Aegean Odyssey. Experience the bustling, modern cities of Malaysia, the natural beauty of Thailand and the Buddhist traditions of Burma.

Activity Particulars

Walking over uneven terrain; standing for up to 90 minutes at a time; stairs without railings; hot and humid conditions.

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Days 1-2: Flight from the U.S.A.

Days 3-5: Arrival Singapore / embark Aegean Odyssey:

Discover the Marina Bay area and enjoy a panorama of Singapore’s modern architecture. Explore the three main ethnic regions of Singapore — Malay, Chinese and Indian — and visit their gardens, temples and marketplaces. Lodging: Centrally located hotel.

Days 6-7: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) / At Sea:

Marvel at the record breaking Petronas Towers as you experience the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. Visit the 19th-century Cathedral of St. Mary and historic buildings of Independence Square.

Days 8-9: Phuket (Thailand) / At Sea:

Delight in the local culture of Phuket — Thailand's largest island — before journeying by boat to enjoy the crystal blue waters and scenic beaches of the Phi Phi Islands.

View the archaeological site of Bagan, and thrill in the panoramic views from Tayoke Pyay. Learn about the gentle, Buddhist way of life as you visit the golden Shwedagon pagoda. Lodging: Four-star boutique hotel in New Bagan.

Admire the historic British settlements of Penang as you walk along the streets of Georgetown. Explore Malacca, Malaysia’s third largest city-state—its historic center recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road hotel stands in the heart of the Singapore's Little India district. This location provides the opportunity to closely experience the spirit of this distinct neighborhood that’s brimming with culture and dotted with quaint shops. The friendly staff at the PARKROYAL hotel can recommend the best of the community. In fact, with their personal recommendations, you’ll feel like a local in no time at all. Walk down Serangoon Road and be enthralled by the colors and aromas along the streets.

The hotel offers a café and bar, 24-hour room service, air-conditioning, currency exchange desk, dry cleaning and laundry service, wireless and wired Internet access for a fee, and two restaurants. Enjoy a steam bath or work up a sweat in the fully equipped hotel gym, and then cool off on the spacious sun deck around the enticing swimming pool.

Smoking allowed:

No

Elevators available:

Yes

Additional nights prior:

Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check in time:

3:00 PM

MV Aegean Odyssey

Type:

Cruise Ship

Description:

The MV Aegean Odyssey offers boutique-style cruising at its best. In contrast to the massive vessels cruising to and from major ports, it is a midsized ship adapted for island and coastal cruising. The Aegean Odyssey can visit smaller, less crowded harbors and sail closer to the coast enabling you to really appreciate the magical views.

All cabins are equipped with a flat screen TV, air-conditioning, and personal safe. Particular importance is placed on the standard of bedding in cabins. Luxury bedding, including fine duvets, covers and sheets, ample soft pillows and quality towels can be expected. Also, shampoo, bath and shower gel, soap, and shower cap are provided. Your cabin steward is always available. Cabins and suites feature outlets with 220 voltage, using the “European” two round pin plug. Hair dryers are provided in your cabin and electric rollers, curling irons, electric shavers and other small appliances can be used in your cabin. For safety reasons, travel irons are not allowed.

Facility amenities:

Dining: MV Aegean Odyssey offers many dining facilities: The Marco Polo Restaurant is the ship's more formal restaurant, providing casual country-club elegance for lunch or dinner; The Terrace Cafe offers a combination of indoor and outdoor seating where you can indulge in breakfast, lunch and dinner from the grill or the sumptuous daily buffet. In the evenings, enjoy breathtaking views over dinner at Tapas on the Terrace. *There is a complimentary choice of wine, beer, or soft drinks with your evening meal. There will be a string trio, pianist and casual dancing before and after dinner. You may also wish to partake in afternoon tea, served in the Observation Lounge. Or perhaps an evening snack and cocktail, available in the Lido and Rendezvous bars. A limited room service menu is available.
Special Diets: Please advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements. The ship can usually meet most general requests such as those made with an air carrier; however, this cannot always be guaranteed.
Services: Library; outdoor pool; spa and Jacuzzi; health center, saunas, massage and beauty treatment rooms and early morning yoga on the Lido Deck; elevators; Internet center (open 24 hours and a charge of $18 for 4 non-consecutive hours is applied, no wireless available); beauty salon; medical center; laundry and pressing services (order form and laundry bag is provided in cabin); lecture theater and cinema and on board shop.

Smoking allowed:

Yes

Elevators available:

Yes

Shwe Yee Pwint Hotel

Type:

Hotel

Description:

Shwe Yee Pwint Hotel, located on a quiet street in New Bagan, is a short walk to restaurants, shopping, and is a short drive from the archeological zone.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Today a full day field trip takes you to the three main ethnic areas of Singapore - Malay, Chinese and Indian. Your day begins with a visit to the Botanic Gardens to the Orchid Enclosure to admire one of the very best hybrid Orchid collections in the world. Then continue down fashionable Orchard Road to Arab Street. Arab Street is believed to be named after a noble Arab merchant, Syed Ali bin Mohamed Al Junied, and was a residential "kampong" for Muslims of Arab, Malay, Indian, Bugis, Javanese and Boyanese descents. We take a short walk through this area discovering the local life. The area includes many longstanding textile, carpet, basket and bag shops. Built in 1928, the Sultan's mosque is one of the largest mosques in Singapore and includes the Sultan's Palace, which is known today as the Malay Heritage Center. Moving on, we visit Little India, experience the hustle and bustle of the market place, and see Indian jewellers and flower garland makers at work.

Lunch:

Lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant.

Afternoon:

After lunch, explore Chinatown and enjoy a short visit to the Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple. Then explore the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn the story of Chinatown.

View a landscape of beautiful mosques, grand museums, historic memorials and
ethnic marketplaces during this field trip of Malaysia's capital. It's all a far cry from the
city's 19th-century start as a humble tin mining settlement. Start with an hour's drive
along the modern highway to the National Museum where the superb displays include
a life-size exhibit of a Malay wedding, a Gold Room and a reconstructed village compound. Enjoy photo stops at the King's Palace, Parliament and the National Monument whose sculptor also created the Iwo Jima memorial in Washington, D.C. Also pass the blue-domed National Mosque and the fantastical Edwardian Moorish-style
Railway Station. Visit Independence Square, where British colonists once played cricket and the Malayan flag was first hoisted on August 31, 1957. The surrounding architectural
ensemble includes the Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club, a watering hole for high society during the tin boom. Across the way is St Mary's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur's oldest Anglican church. Before returning, visit the Central Market, built in 1888 as a wet market. This heritage landmark highlights the three main ethnic groups in zones called Lorong Melayu, Straits Chinese and Lorong India. Gain insights into the richness these people bring to the Malay cultural feast.

At sea. Stretch your body and mind during early morning yoga. Attend a talk by Road Scholar Group Leader.

Lunch:

Lunch on board.

Afternoon:

At sea. Take advantage of the ship's well stocked library that has a wide selection of volumes covering classical history, literature, art, architecture, and philosophy. The frequently updated collection also includes an extensive reference section as well as modern and classic novels.

Note: This excursion is dependent upon weather and sea conditions.

Breakfast:

Breakfast on board.

Morning:

Follow in the path of James Bond as you navigate Phang Nga National Park where sheer limestone karsts thrust dramatically from the sea. Enjoy a briefing on this beautiful bay during the hour-and-a-half drive from Phuket. Then step aboard a traditional Thai longtail boat and let the scenery speak for itself as you skim over some of the most magnificent waters in the world. Circle the island of Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island since it appeared in The Man With The Golden Gun. Wind through mangroves and silent caves to Pan Yi Island. Stop at the Sea Gypsy Village, a Muslim village built entirely on stilts, where you can visit a school, wander the byways, shop for pearls and glimpse a fascinating way of life. En route, visit a local fruit and produce orchard to sample an array of tropical fruits and learn how to prepare such treats as Tom Yum Kung Soup.

Lunch:

Your full-day adventure includes an Asian buffet lunch at the waterfront restaurant of the Phang Nga Bay Resort Hotel.

Note: Depending on the tides and the ship's final disembarkation time, the sequence of your Road Scholar exclusive excursions may have to be adjusted. All elements will be included, but the order may need to be shifted.

Breakfast:

Breakfast on board.

Morning:

At sea. A relaxing day to enjoy the sunshine and the shipboard guest lectures as the ship makes its way to Yangon, Myanmar.

Lunch:

Lunch on board.

Afternoon:

Continue sailing to Yangon. The Aegean Odyssey will berth in the heart of Yangon in the afternoon.

Transfer with your Road Scholar group to Yangon's Mingalardon airport for a 6:30
AM flight to Bagan (estimated arrival 7:20 AM). With thousands of ancient stupas
and temples, Bagan is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia.
From the 11th to the 13th century, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the
rulers constructed huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today
on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Upon arrival, you will take in the stunning,
panoramic views from Tayoke Pyay. While at the Shwezigon Pagoda, learn about
the Burmese belief in Nats, or spirits, which was officially replaced by Buddhism
in the 12th century, but continues to the present. Also visit the nearby Wetkyi-In
Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite "jakata" mural paintings and the elegant
Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone
decorations.

Lunch:

Lunch at the Sunset Garden restaurant overlooking the river.

Afternoon:

After lunch, transfer to the hotel for check-in before continuing with an afternoon
excursion. The afternoon excursion begins with a visit to the Ananda temple, an
excellent example of early-style Bagan architecture. Nearby Ananda Okkyaung is
one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period. Pass
through Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, and the massive
Dhammayangyi Temple noted for its remarkable brickwork.

Transfer to Nyaung U airport for a 8:05 AM return flight to Yangon (estimated
arrival 10:50 AM). On arrival, explore Yangon and take a close look at the local
life of this historical city. Travel to the Sule pagoda in the center of the city and
enjoy a leisurely walk around the Mahabandoola Park to see the colonial
courthouse and city hall. Afterwards, stroll through Boyoke Market, formerly
known as Scott Market, which offers a wide variety of Myanmar handicrafts and
other goods.

Lunch:

Lunch at the Monsoon restaurant.

Afternoon:

Visit the awe-inspiring golden Shwedagon Pagoda with its 98-meter high stupa that is covered in genuine gold plates (these are donated by ordinary Myanmar people from all over the country): it is truly a remarkable sight. Unlike many great sites around the world, Shwedagon is visited mostly by local Burmese people. The giant gold gilded Paya serves as a meeting point for families, friends, and teenagers looking to enjoy the cool night air. Transfer to MV Aegean Odyssey for embarkation.

Penang was part of the Malay sultanate until 1786, when Captain Francis Light
built a fort at the site of present-day Georgetown and managed to get the island
ceded to the British East India Company. The island, along with Malacca and
Singapore, was one of the three British Straits Settlements and the capital,
Georgetown, was named after King George III. You will spend the morning
exploring the island on a guided field trip.

Lunch:

Lunch on board.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, take advantage of free time to wander the streets of Georgetown
with its historical buildings including 19th century merchant houses,
well-preserved colonial core and street markets.

Note: There are approx. 120 shallow steps to reach the ruins of St. Paul’s Church.

Breakfast:

Breakfast on board.

Morning:

At sea. Attend a lecture given by a shipboard guest speaker.

Lunch:

Lunch on board.

Afternoon:

Malacca is a unique experience and its rich historical background earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in July 2008. Malacca was the capital of the Malacca Sultanate and was the center of the Malay world in the 15th and 16th centuries. It fell to the hands of the Portuguese in 1511 and centuries of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British have influenced the architecture of the town. This rich history will come to life as you discover the main colonial sites including the ruined Portuguese fort "A Famosa," St. Paul's Church that overlooks the Malacca Strait, and Dutch Square.

Disembark the MV Aegean Odyssey. Enjoy a short guided excursion and some free time.

Lunch:

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Transfer to the Singapore airport for departing flights.

Meals
Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities

Singapore

Chinatown Heritage CenterThe history of Singapore's Chinese settlers comes alive in three floors of an old shophouse on Pagoda Street. Uncover the secret societies, underground gambling rings, and hopeful narratives of settlers during a walk through this unique museum. Be transported back to the 1950s with the reconstructed, private interiors of shophouse tenants.

Singapore Flyer
Enjoy a beautiful walk along the Marina promenade before getting into the gigantic ferris wheel known as the Singapore Flyer. Delight in the astounding views of the Singapore skyline during the 30 minute ride. Reaching 541 feet, this ferris wheel is the tallest in the world.

Sultan's Mosque
The Sultan's Mosque is often considered one of the most important mosques in Singapore. Built by the Sultan Hussain Shah of Johore with a grant from Sir Stamford Raffles, this mosque was built in 1825 and can accommodate 5,000 worshippers.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

A History of Malaysia

Author: Leonard Y. Andaya, Barbara Watson Andaya

Description: This scholarly yet readable work tracks Malaysia’s sociopolitical development, from the appearance of the famed Malay empire Srivijaya onto the historical scene in the late seventh century to the formation of the Federation of Malaysia and its transition into the 21st century. This is a panoramic historical overview of a multicultural society that supports one of the most dynamic economies in Asia.

A Traveller's History of Southeast Asia

Author: J.M. Barwise, Nicholas J. White

Description: A compact history of the region, including the Khmer and the various ancient kingdoms that produced Borobudur, Angkor and other architectural marvels.

Anna and the King of Siam

Author: Margaret Landon

Description: The enduring, fanciful tale of a governess in mid-19th century Siam, which is the basis for the hit musical production The King and I.

Birds of Southeast Asia

Author: Craig Robson

Description: This authoritative, masterfully illustrated guide, featuring 140 color plates covering 1,270 species throughout the region, also includes Malaysia, Burma, Borneo and Indonesia.

Burmese Days

Author: George Orwell

Description: Orwell, a veteran of the Colonial police force in Rangoon, writes with irony and insight in this sharp novel of politics, folly and the British.

Collected Short Stories, Volume 4

Author: W. Somerset Maugham

Description: Maugham can evoke turn-of-the-century colonial Asia like no other. This collection of stories features many set in Malaysia. Borneo and other southeast Asian locales, including the well-known tale "The Letter."

Culture Smart! Thailand

Author: Roger Jones

Description: A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with practical travel advice and a short overview of the land and people.

Eyewitness Guide Malaysia & Singapore

Author: Eyewitness Guides

Description: A visually stunning guide to Singapore and surroundings, featuring hundreds of photographs and illustrations, detailed city maps, and information on history, culture and attractions.

Finding George Orwell in Burma

Author: Emma Larkin

Description: An American journalist fluent in Burmese, Emma Larkin (a pseudonym) masterfully interweaves her travels in the footsteps of the British colonial officer and writer with interviews and an astute, moving history of modern Burma.

Fodor's Singapore's 25 Best

Author: Fodor's

Description: This pocket guide and map includes information on essential highlights, including sightseeing, walking itineraries, restaurants and shopping.

In Buddha's Land

Author: Moe Min

Description: This beautiful, illustrated portrait of monuments, monasteries and rituals is both a striking visual overview of Buddhism as practiced in Burma, and a splendid introduction to the country.

Inspector Singh Investigates

Author: Shamini Flint

Description: Flint introduces the bumbling yet endearing Inspector Singh, who is sent from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to clear the name of a famous model accused of murder.

Letters from Burma

Author: Aung San Suu Kyi, Heinn Htet

Description: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's candid, affectionate letters on Burmese culture and daily life, which originally appeared as a weekly newspaper column in the Mainichi Daily News show her spirit and warmth. Michelle Yeoh, pictured here, plays Suu Key in The Lady, opening April 11. David Thewis plays her British husband Michael Aris, once tutor to the king of Bhutan's children and author of The Raven Crown, the exquisitely illustrated history of the Wanchuck family. The 88-minute documentary, They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain, is also screening this week. Running for the legislature after decades of house arrest, Suu Kyi has protested that the elections were not fee and fair. It is nonetheless a big step forward for Burma!

Lonely Planet Myanmar (Burma)

Author: Joe Cummings, Michael Clark

Description: Featuring maps, travel information and a good overview of society, culture, history and politics.

Myanmar (Burma) Map

Author: Nelles

Description: A double-sided map of Burma at a scale of 1:1,500,000, with an inset of Rangoon.

South Southeast

Author: Steve McCurry

Description: A remarkable portfolio of striking photographs taken in and around Afghanistan, Burma, India, Pakistan and other sites in South and Southeast Asia over a long career. Saturated with color, light and evocative of daily life.

Southeast Asia Map

Author: Nelles

Description: A clear, double-sided map of all of Southeast Asia at a scale of 1:4,500,000.

The Skeptical Romancer, Selected Travel Writing

Author: W. Somerset Maugham

Description: Pico Iyer introduces this Everyman's edition of Somerset Maugham's razor-sharp travel writing, set in Spain, China, Burma and Southeast Asia, including a long excerpt from Gentleman in the Parlour, a vivid account of travels from Rangoon to Haiphong by canoe, riverboat, rickshaw and pony. Also included is The Land of the Blessed Verigin (Spain), On a Chinese Screen and The Partial View (diverse places).

Where China Meets India

Author: Thant Myint-U

Description: Home to 60 million people and bigger than France, Burma -- as Thant Myint-U so effectively argues --- is hardly small or politically isolated; it is at the center of Asia. Mr. Thant mixes anecdote, travel, memoir and history in this compelling personal portrait -- and Cri de Coeur for western engagement in the region.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

15 nights accommodations

44 meals:
15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 11

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 13

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Flights during the program: 2

Flights during the program

Flights during the program that are included in the program price for all participants.

Visas: 1 (out of 1 required)

Plus these special experiences...

Explore the crystal clear waters and classic sandy beaches of the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand.

Take in the beauty of the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.